Latest news with #Protege
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
'Just RM1,800 for new hires' - Woman laments how fresh grads in Sabah are being underpaid
In its 2024 salary survey, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) reported that degree holders in Malaysia earn an average basic salary of RM2,703, with a gross monthly income averaging RM2,971. However, a recent post by a user on Threads, @vfnvsvn, highlights a more troubling reality for fresh graduates in Sabah, where starting salaries can be as low as RM1,800. 'I was honestly in disbelief,' she wrote, after discovering that some companies in Kota Kinabalu were offering just RM1,800 to new hires. She shared that a friend with a degree and a year of work experience had attempted to negotiate a RM2,000 salary, but the request was rejected. 'In the end, she accepted a Protege position simply because it was the only offer that met the RM2,000 mark here in Sabah,' she explained. ALSO READ: 'Boycott companies paying below market wages' - M'sian frustrated by parties deeming RM3k starting salary as excessive Another friend, she added, even took up a Protege role twice just for the slightly better pay. 'It's honestly so sad,' @vfnvsvn wrote. 'Fresh grads in Sabah — even in KK — are being paid so little. It's just not worth the workload.' Malaysian netizens soon took to the comments section to share their own disheartening experiences of being offered shockingly low salaries in Sabah. 'I even did an audit at the biggest laundry company in Sandakan and was only paid RM600 to RM900. In the end, I got a job in KL that offered me RM6.5k as an entry-level salary. So tell me — how can Sabahans not want to leave Sabah?' questioned @theglacester. 'Meanwhile, I'm in Tawau. The basic salary I was offered is RM1,100 — and I'm a degree holder with six years of experience. The job title is rental assistant, but I also handle ad-hoc tasks as HR and my boss's PA. Back when I worked in the Peninsula as an operations executive, I was earning RM5,000. Honestly, I regret coming back here,' shared @edakalbu. 'Sad but true — that's why I'm job hunting in Penang,' added @brayondangelo.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Prasarana, Hitachi Rail to upskill 1,000 Malaysians
PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has launched a long-term workforce development initiative that aims to train 1,000 Malaysians over five years in rail and smart mobility disciplines, as part of its strengthened commitment to the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2030. Group CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said the initiative named Prasarana TVET Programme, supported through a strategic partnership with Hitachi Rail, positions Prasarana at the forefront of public transport talent development in the country. 'The new programme is set to roll out in the fourth quarter of 2025, likely by November, which will focus on three core areas of electric bus operation, rolling stock maintenance and cybersecurity. 'Participants will receive the nationally recognised Malaysian Skills Certificate (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia or SKM), preparing them for real-world roles in the increasingly technical landscape of urban mobility. 'We are not just building rail systems, we are building people. This initiative will equip 1,000 individuals over the next five years with the skills to lead Malaysia's smart transport transformation,' he told reporters at the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between Prasarana and Hitachi Rail, yesterday. He remarked that the TVET programme will span between 9 to 12 months, blending theory-based learning, technical training, and on-the-ground exposure across Prasarana's operational and maintenance sites. 'Participants will undergo extensive hands-on training, which includes site visits to operations control centres and depots, ensuring they gain critical insights into the real-time dynamics of running urban rail systems. 'This is not a short, introductory course, it is a full commitment to developing skilled professionals,' he said. He noted that the programme will enroll an average of 200 participants per year, culminating in a total of 1,000 trainees by 2030. 'These individuals will be selected from a mix of school leavers, vocational students, diploma holders, and university graduates, ensuring inclusivity across educational backgrounds. 'This is our talent pipeline. By nurturing them early, we identify potential and bring them into the ecosystem, something that is essential given our scale consists of five MRT lines, 1,000 buses, and over 13,000 employees across the country,' he explained. Additionally, he said Prasarana is also running a parallel Protege programme, which includes two streams, a marketing-focused pathway, and the Prasarana TVET Programme. 'The latter involves immersive field-based learning experiences designed to familiarise young talent with the operational demands of the rail industry. 'Currently, 57 participants are enrolled across the two Protege streams, with around 29 individuals per cohort. 'These placements include structured learning with a focus on personal and professional development. 'This partnership with Hitachi Rail is more than a corporate alliance, it is a shared vision to build local expertise, reduce talent gaps, and uplift the prestige of technical careers in Malaysia.' As the country advances toward becoming a regional smart mobility leader, Mohd Azharuddin said the Prasarana-Hitachi collaboration is expected to significantly support national goals in economic competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development. 'This is how we support the national TVET policy, not just in spirit, but through action. We believe in nurturing a generation that can carry forward the vision of smart, inclusive, and sustainable transportation for Malaysia.'
TECHx
12-03-2025
- Business
- TECHx
ICT Expands MEA Presence with Ingram Micro Partnership - TECHx Media ICT Expands MEA Presence with Ingram Micro Partnership
ICT Expands MEA Presence with Ingram Micro Partnership News Desk - Share Integrated Control Technology (ICT), the award-winning global manufacturer of intelligent electronic access control and security solutions, has expanded its presence in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region by entering into a distribution agreement with Ingram Micro. This partnership marks a significant milestone for ICT as it strengthens its market presence across MEA. ICT began developing its presence in the MEA region over a year ago by opening an office in Dubai and appointing two senior sales directors, Gaurav Mahajan in Dubai and Justin Colin in South Africa. The new distribution agreement with Ingram Micro solidifies this expansion and provides a valuable collaboration with one of the region's leading value-added security distributors. The distribution agreement grants Ingram Micro the rights to resell ICT's Protege range of products across the MEA region. This includes ICT's single and multi-site controllers, door and input/output expanders, multi-technology readers, and both physical and mobile credentials. Additionally, Ingram Micro will offer ICT's comprehensive software suite, which features reporting, data synchronization, and third-party security system integration capabilities. Ingram Micro is known for its expertise in delivering IT and security solutions across the MEA region. Thomas Napora, General Manager and Vice President EMEA at ICT, praised Ingram Micro, saying, 'With dedicated product managers and certified technicians, Ingram Micro is a value-added partner. They understand the market, the projects, the requirements, and the synergy between suppliers.' He also added, 'We are thrilled that our agreement has been finalized, and we look forward to collaborating with Ingram Micro to deliver projects not only in the Middle East but also in Africa.' The partnership was officially launched at Intersec Dubai, where ICT showcased its Enterprise solution at the Ingram Micro stand. This event provided the perfect platform for both companies to highlight their collaboration and demonstrate the integration of their security solutions. This agreement further enhances Ingram Micro's portfolio by adding ICT's advanced and scalable security solutions. ICT's innovative offerings in access control, intrusion detection, and integrated security systems complement Ingram Micro's comprehensive range of technology solutions. Ali Baghdadi, Senior Vice President & Chief Country Executive, META at Ingram Micro, commented, 'By integrating ICT's security technology expertise, Ingram Micro strengthens its ability to provide resellers and businesses with reliable, cutting-edge tools to meet the evolving demands of modern security infrastructure.' He added, 'This collaboration demonstrates Ingram Micro's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive customer success.'
